About Illinois State Parks

Illinois State Parks balance urban proximity with natural escapes, offering scenic trails and historic sites.

Illinois’ state parks provide a perfect balance of natural beauty and accessibility, offering escapes from bustling cities to tranquil trails and lush landscapes. Starved Rock State Park, one of the state’s most popular destinations, features dramatic sandstone canyons, waterfalls, and scenic overlooks along the Illinois River. For outdoor enthusiasts, Pere Marquette State Park provides excellent hiking, biking, and eagle-watching opportunities near the confluence of the Mississippi and Illinois Rivers.

In addition to their natural allure, Illinois’ state parks preserve the state’s rich cultural and historical heritage. Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, showcases the remains of an ancient Native American city with interpretive trails and exhibits. Illinois Beach State Park, along Lake Michigan, combines sandy shores with diverse ecosystems for a unique coastal experience in the Midwest. Illinois’ state parks offer a variety of experiences for nature lovers and history enthusiasts alike.